Networld WWI CA Database (Demo)

Magura Ocnei Museum Monument in Targu Ocna, Bacau County, Romania

This is one of the most impressive monuments built in memory of the soldiers fallen during the First World War. It was built between 1925 and1928 in memory of over 14,000 Romanian soldiers fallen during World War One on the fronts from Oituz, Cosna and Ciresoaia.

On its frontispiece lies the following inscription "Tell the future generations that we have done our duty." The works for erecting this imposing building were made by veteran soldiers, who remained alive after the sharp fights that took place at Oituz-Cosna-Ciresoaia.

The monument consists of a ground floor and two floors, connected by a circular inner ladder, is 22 m high and it is entirely made from a carved stone in the form of a shell. Until the beginning of the Second World War, it used to be guarded day and night by soldiers in the garrison of the city. After the War, the monument was abandoned, but between 1972 and 1974 it was renovated and opened to the public in the form of a museum.

Romania, North-East Region, Bacau County

Type of WWI-heritage

War monument

Dimensions

Height: 22 m

State of repair/preservation

No information available

Historical WWI Context

German and Austro-Hungarian units were getting closer and closer to Targu Ocna. The danger of conquering Trotus Valley by the enemy would cause the Great Romanian General Headquarters to urgently send back troops to this area. So, in the evening of August 11, after taking a 145 km walk carrying at the same time the war equipment, the Ciresoaia Battalion would get near Targu Ocna, to a village, Bratesti. After several hours of resting, a group of soldiers from the battalion of Major Virgil Bădulesu, led by Elisei Ursac, would arrive in Bogata. From here, on detour ways and away from the enemy's eyes, they would reach the back of the German lines, to Ciresoaia peak. Taken by surprise, the enemy will withdraw in disarray, leaving behind numerous prisoners and weapons.

The fighting will continue in the coming days both on the Ciresoaia front and on that of Cosna. Fighting with heroism, the soldiers of the Cavalry Regiment and those of the 2nd Border Regiment would be able to re-conquer the Cosna peak on August 13, 1917. (Source: cnipttirguocna.ro/monumentul-magura-ocnei/ )

A history of Romania's participation in World War I can be found on the following website: www.marelerazboi.ro.

The town of Targu Ocna is placed on the railway line connecting Moldova to Transylvania on the route Adjud - Siculeni (Miercurea Ciuc). There are four direct trains connecting Targu Ocna and Siculeni (Miercurea Ciuc) and eight trains between Targu Ocna and Adjud (https://www.cfrcalatori.ro/)

The museum owns a collection of original photos from the WWI, various types of weapons and ammunition from WWI, medals of honour awarded for deeds of bravery, soldier uniforms etc. (Source: http://bacaulturistic.ro/atractie/465/)